Rescue Retinol Nighttime Renewing Cream
Rescue Retinol Nighttime Renewing Cream
Product Description
A gentle, beginner-friendly nighttime retinol cream from Hero Cosmetics, powered by a 0.75% Encapsulated Retinol Blend and the brand's signature Rescue Balm Complex. It works overnight to smooth uneven texture, soften the look of fine lines, and fade post-blemish marks β all in a buffered, non-drying formula built for sensitive skin that wants real results without the sting.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Encapsulated Retinol
The 0.75% retinol is encapsulated for slow, steady release β delivering benefits gradually with far less of the irritation, flaking, and redness associated with traditional retinol.
Rescue Balm Complex
A soothing blend of panthenol, allantoin, beta-glucan and shea butter cushions the active, calming skin and supporting the moisture barrier as retinol works overnight.
PHA Gentle Exfoliation
Gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid, gently lifts dead surface cells to refine texture and boost radiance without the sting of stronger AHAs or BHAs.
Peptides + Antioxidants
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 supports collagen while resveratrol, CoQ10 (ubiquinone) and vitamin E defend against free-radical and environmental damage.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains retinol, a vitamin A derivative. Topical retinoids are generally avoided during pregnancy and nursing β consult your doctor before use.
Includes shea butter, polyglyceryl oleates and sunflower seed oil, which can feed Malassezia yeast. Not recommended if you are prone to fungal acne.
Retinol makes skin more vulnerable to UV. Use only at night and apply a broad-spectrum SPF every morning without fail.
Avoid pairing with strong AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide or vitamin C in the same PM application to limit irritation. Alternate nights instead.
Free of added fragrance, parabens, sulfates and silicones, making it a strong choice for reactive, easily irritated skin.
Emollients and humectants like squalane, glycerin and panthenol cushion the retinol, so most users report no peeling or tightness.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π« Retinol 0.75% (encapsulated) Proven
The gold-standard anti-aging active and the star of this formula. Encapsulation lets it release slowly, smoothing texture, fading marks and softening fine lines with less irritation than free retinol.
- Evidence: Retinol has the most peer-reviewed research of any non-prescription anti-aging ingredient, with proven effects on cell turnover and collagen.
- Why encapsulated: Slow release improves tolerability for beginners and sensitive skin.
π§ͺ Gluconolactone (PHA) Supporting Proven
A polyhydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin's surface to refine texture and brighten tone. Its larger molecular size means slower, more comfortable exfoliation than AHAs.
- Source: PHAs are documented to cause less irritation than traditional AHAs while still smoothing skin.
- Bonus: A 2004 study found gluconolactone helped protect against UV damage and did not increase sun sensitivity.
π Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 Supporting Promising
A signal peptide (part of the well-known Matrixyl Synthe'6 blend) that prompts skin to produce more collagen, supporting firmness and a smoother surface over time.
- Study: In women over 40, a serum containing this peptide improved skin roughness and tone over 56 days.
𫧠Squalane High in formula Proven
A lightweight, skin-identical emollient that hydrates and reinforces the lipid barrier without clogging pores β a key part of why this retinol feels cushioned rather than drying.
- Comedogenic rating: 1 (unlikely to clog pores) under the original rating system.
- Bonus: Research shows antioxidant activity and support for collagen synthesis.
π Antioxidant Trio Resveratrol Β· CoQ10 Β· Vitamin E Proven
Resveratrol, ubiquinone (CoQ10) and tocopherol work together to neutralize free radicals, calm inflammation and protect the other actives from degradation.
- Resveratrol: A polyphenol valued for anti-aging, brightening and soothing benefits β often used by those who can't tolerate retinoids.
- Vitamin E: Improves the skin's water-binding capacity and stabilizes the formula.
πΏ Soothing Complex Panthenol Β· Allantoin Β· Beta-Glucan Proven
The calming backbone of the Rescue Balm Complex. These ingredients hydrate, reduce redness and support barrier repair β directly offsetting retinol's potential to irritate.
- Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5): Humectant that hydrates and aids wound healing.
- Allantoin: Soothing and supports skin renewal; FDA-recognized skin protectant.
28 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, C13-15 Alkane, Squalane, Octyldodecanol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Magnesium Sulfate, Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Panthenol, Retinol, Resveratrol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Gluconolactone, Ubiquinone, Ethyl Ferulate, Calcium Gluconate, Allantoin, Beta-Glucan, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Xanthan Gum, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Humulus Lupulus Extract, Copernicia Cerifera Cera.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply as the final step of your PM routine, smoothed all over the face. The cream itself is moisturizing, so a separate night moisturizer is optional. Always follow with a broad-spectrum SPF the next morning.
π How to Use
Start Slow
Begin 2β3 nights per week to let your skin acclimate to retinol, then gradually increase frequency as tolerated.
Cleanse & Dry
Finish your usual evening cleanse and let skin dry fully before applying β this further reduces the chance of irritation.
Apply a Pea-Sized Amount
Smooth a thin layer all over the face as the last step of your nighttime routine, avoiding the eyes and lips.
SPF Every Morning
Retinol increases sun sensitivity. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential to protect your results.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You're new to retinol and want a gentle, beginner-friendly introduction
- You have sensitive skin that struggles with stronger retinoids
- Your main concerns are uneven texture and post-blemish marks
- You want effective anti-aging without a luxury price tag
- You prefer fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free formulas
β Consider alternatives if:
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You're prone to fungal acne (malassezia)
- You're an experienced user wanting prescription-strength results fast
- You need a large quantity (this is a compact 30ml tube)
- You dislike richer, emollient-based cream textures
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Cushioning emollients and shea butter offset retinol's drying potential, making this one of the most comfortable retinols for dry skin.
Fragrance-free, buffered and slow-release. Many sensitive-skin reviewers report no stinging or redness, though a patch test is still wise.
Balances renewal with hydration across both oily and dry zones. The cream finish suits most combination skin well.
Retinol helps regulate texture and pores, but the richer cream base may feel heavier than a serum for very oily skin.
Retinol and PHA help with marks and breakouts, but note it is not fungal-acne safe and a small minority report initial purging.
π Results Timeline
Adjustment Phase
Skin acclimates to retinol. Most users notice softer, smoother-feeling skin; a small number may see mild dryness or initial purging.
~40% noticed early softnessTexture & Tone
Surface texture looks more even and refined as cell turnover increases. Skin appears brighter and feels bouncier.
~60% saw smoother textureMarks Fade, Lines Soften
Post-blemish marks visibly lighten and fine lines look softened with consistent nightly use.
~75% reported fading marksFirmer, Even-Toned Skin
Peptides and antioxidants support cumulative firmness and a more uniform, radiant complexion over time.
~85% noticed overall improvementβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Gentle and non-drying, even for sensitive skin
- Visibly smooths texture and fades post-blemish marks
- Excellent value for a peptide- and antioxidant-rich retinol
- Fragrance-free, vegan and cruelty-free
- Beginner-friendly encapsulated delivery
β Criticized
- Small 30ml tube runs out with daily use
- Lower strength means slower results than prescription retinoids
- A minority experience purging or breakouts initially
- Not pregnancy-safe and not fungal-acne safe
- Applicator can be slightly hard to dispense
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Higher free-retinol strength in a squalane oil base. Effective and affordable, but lacks the soothing Rescue Balm complex and can be more irritating for sensitive skin.
Also uses encapsulated retinol, plus niacinamide and ceramides for barrier support. Fragrance-free and geared toward post-acne marks β the closest everyday alternative.
Combines retinol with bakuchiol for a gentle, sensitive-skin friendly profile. Serum format feels lighter; comparable focus on tolerability and even tone.
π Comparison with Competitors
Hero Rescue Retinol (Featured)
~$12.99CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
~$19.99The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
~$17.50La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene 0.1%
~$32.99π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight β light and heat degrade retinol's potency.
Opaque squeeze tube with an applicator tip, which helps protect the retinol from light exposure.
Yes β at 30ml it's well under the 100ml TSA carry-on liquid limit.
β Frequently Asked Questions
No. This cream contains retinol, a vitamin A derivative. Topical retinoids are generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding as a precaution. If you are expecting or nursing, pause use and speak with your doctor about pregnancy-safe alternatives such as bakuchiol or azelaic acid.
No. The formula includes shea butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter), polyglyceryl oleates and sunflower seed oil, all of which can feed Malassezia yeast. If you are prone to fungal acne, this product is best avoided.
Avoid layering it in the same nightly application with strong AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide or vitamin C, as this raises irritation risk. Instead, alternate nights β for example, retinol cream one evening and your exfoliating acid or vitamin C on another. The built-in PHA already provides gentle exfoliation.
It's especially well suited to dry and sensitive skin and to retinol beginners, thanks to its buffered, fragrance-free cream base and slow-release encapsulated retinol. Combination and oily skin can also use it, though very oily skin may prefer a lighter serum texture. It is not recommended for fungal-acne-prone skin.
Most people feel smoother skin within the first 1β2 weeks, see clearer texture and tone around weeks 4β8, and notice fading marks and softened fine lines by weeks 8β12. Retinol results are cumulative, so consistent nightly use over at least 12 weeks gives the best outcome.
It's designed as the final step of your evening routine. After cleansing, toner, any serums and eye cream, smooth Rescue Retinol all over the face. Because the cream is moisturizing, a separate night moisturizer is optional. Always finish with broad-spectrum SPF the next morning.
We rate the overall formula a low 2 out of 5. Most ingredients are low on the comedogenic scale (squalane sits at 1), though shea butter and waxes give it a slightly richer feel. Most users tolerate it well, but if you are very breakout-prone, patch test first and monitor how your skin responds.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. To keep the retinol potent, store the tube in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight and keep the cap closed between uses.
Verdict: Hero Cosmetics Rescue Retinol Nighttime Renewing Cream is one of the best-value entry-level retinols on the market. Its 0.75% encapsulated retinol is wrapped in a soothing Rescue Balm Complex of peptides, antioxidants and barrier-supporting humectants, so it delivers smoother texture, fading marks and gentle anti-aging with minimal irritation β a rare combination at this price. It loses points only for its small 30ml size, gradual (rather than dramatic) results, and the fact that it isn't suitable during pregnancy or for fungal-acne-prone skin. For sensitive skin and retinol newcomers, it's an easy recommendation.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 7 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 5 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
C13-15 Alkane
Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Refatting
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Octyldodecanol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance
|
|